TW200 vs XT225 vs DR200

Looking for some professional or not so professional opinons on these 3 bikes. Im a new rider (very new, less than 10 hrs seat time), female, height challenged at 5'4, 40 something. Just started on my SO's (ehatcher) XR250. He claims I STOLE it from him, but I am merely BORROWING it. I love the sure footedness of this bike, but it is just too tall for me. The kick start is somewhat of a nuisence for me, due to how high the bike is. Eric is a trooper when I drop the bike or stall it, he's always right there to start her up for me. Don't feel comfy taking it out solo because I feel I need a baby sitter to help me start it and pick it up. For now looking to do local riding and off road (Pine Barrens). Learning in a field where we live. Planning on taking the MSF course ASAP.

Did a google search of the site, and read the relevant posts, but still undecided.

TW200-seat height perfect! most comfortable of all 3. The only one that made me smile when I looked at it with those big tires. It has FUN written all over it. Concerned about top speed, and the few posts that mentioned it may have piggish handling with the big tires.

XT225-again perfect height. Like the 6 speed. Will it be as surefooted like the XR? (such as not being squirrley when riding thru ruts)

DR200-tallest of the 3 but still ok. Bigger tank, longer range. Most expensive of the 3. How does this bike handle compared to the 225?

I don't feel I can go really wrong with any of these bikes, but any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

Someone I work with has one of those tw 200 and seems to like it very well. Had to gear it up a bit to use for commuting to work on,but other than that seems to be very happy with it. I don't see how you could go wrong. I don't think its something you would want to jump with,but other than that it seems rock solid. Good luck!

...TW200-seat height perfect! most comfortable of all 3. The only one that made me smile when I looked at it with those big tires. It has FUN written all over it. Concerned about top speed, and the few posts that mentioned it may have piggish handling with the big tires...

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ADVcat - You've done your homework well!

FYI, Ms. levity previously owned a DR200 and a CRF230, has ridden an XT225, and now owns a TW200. She likes the TW best by far - fun and confidence inspiring. The low seat and center of gravity make it easy to ride, and even though she's 5'6" she shaved an inch out of the seat foam. The fat tires may be "pigish" for racers, but they REALLY help trail riders in sand, mud, rocks and water crossings.

She put a smaller sprocket on the rear to spread and raise the gears. She can still go at walking speed in technical stuff but can cruise on the pavement at 60-65 mph (none of the small bikes are very stable at any higher speeds).

here's a pic on easy stuff..

and another that would have had her worried on a bike with "skinny" tires:

One Question, the tree bikes listed are "been-there, get-there" bikes, what I mean is they have a reputation for having been there, they are all old technology that is well tested and well proven, they will get you there for the most part any time every time, but whaat they bring to the party in reliability they leave behind the performance.

My Question is this, how much of the punch of that XR250 are you likeing if it seems too much for your taste then these might be your bikes, if it is just right or leaving you wanting more right twist, then your not looking in the right area.

If height is all that turns you away about the 250 then look at a lowering link, sag the back a bit and buy a short seat.

Yea Deb is posting now and riding! Can't wait to do some trips. Can you talk to my wife, I cannot get her to go near any bike let alone on of her own lol.

I am no expert but I would think the 225 would be better, I lot of the rides we go on are a bit of a distance, the TW my be too lacking in top speed.

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I suspect it is going to be a year or two before she joins us on any trips, if ever. For the moment she is interested in offroad and maybe a little local around the block jaunt. If she were intent on joining us the 225 would likely be her choice hands down...I am a bit partial to that bike myself. On the other hand, that TW looks FUN.........

Whatever her choice turns out to be you will have to stop by and play...ahhhh...test it out for her, yeah thats it.....help me test it out

I think of the bikes you mentioned, the XT225 is the best all-around bike for you. (darn, it's hard to say that when I like my DR200 so much)

Hmm, you're 5' 4", maybe the TW200 is better for off-road for you. But the XT is a better road bike.

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Klay,
Just curious, why don't you recommend the DR200? In fact, it seems that not many people have mentioned this bike at all. It doesnt seem that different than the 225 other than the larger tank and 5 speed tranny.

She likes the TW best by far - fun and confidence inspiring.. The fat tires may be "pigish" for racers, but they REALLY help trail riders in sand, mud, rocks and water crossings.

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levity,
From the looks of the trail riding Ms levity is doing, I guess its safe to say the TW200 is the "mountain goat" of dual sport bikes. Was also glad to read that it gave her confidence. This is what i'm looking for. A bike that I feel comfortable enough on to push the envelope a little bit. Dont think I will be doing any kind of racing so i'm not to concerned about the pigish ride. Thanks for the input and pics.